AT&T hangs up on phone operators

Updated 7:26 pm, Wednesday, November 21, 2012

NEW HAVEN -- AT&T is eliminating 71 phone operator jobs in New Haven and Waterbury as customers increasingly find phone numbers online or by using their smart phones.

Spokesman Marty Richter said the company expects it will not lay off the workers because most or all of the operators will likely accept voluntary severance packages that include severance pay and six months of paid health insurance.